2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Spurs finally address painfully obvious flaws

The San Antonio Spurs got lucky in the lottery again. They did not get the number one overall pick, but San Antonio moved into the top four and received the Raptors selection after Toronto fell to eighth. The Spurs are focused on building around Victor Wembanyama and have several avenues worth exploring before June 26.

Wemby showed his superstar potential, but his franchise won just 22 games in year one. The Spurs must add more talent around him and address their weaknesses. They desperately need a point guard and offensive initiator. San Antonio finished 21st in defensive rating, despite having one of the best rim protectors in the world. Perimeter defense and shooting should be secondary priorities for the Spurs in upgrading their roster.

The draft order is set. There will be plenty of trade chatter, including the Spurs looking to package picks for talent. This year’s draft class is considered weak and could make finding deals difficult. Who do the Spurs target if they keep their selections? Here is a rundown of all 58 picks in this year’s draft.

The top of the draft

1. Atlanta Hawks select Alex Sarr

2. Wizards take Zaccharie Risacher

3. Rockets (via Nets) grab Donovan Clingan

4. Spurs choose Nikola Topic

Topic suffered a second knee injury on May 13. He missed three months earlier this season, and there is no telling how long before he is back healthy. It has Spurs fans questioning whether he is the right choice, but finding a 6’6 guard with his playmaking chops is not easy.

Topic started the year of KK Mega Bemax where he averaged 18.6 points, 6.9 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 34.1 minutes per game. He was so good that KK Crvena Zvezda recalled his loan and gave him a chance to play in the EuroLeague. He played just two games because of the injuries, but his early tape shows a special playmaker with tons of potential.

The Spurs will struggle to pass on him if he is available at four. They desperately need a point guard to create open looks for Victor Wembanyama and his supporting cast. Topic could be a starter in San Antonio for years to come. There are questions about his shooting and defense, but those will be mitigated by playing next to Wemby.